Just keep them close so they could sniff and see each other constantly without the actual need for an encounter, thus lessening stressful contacts for the both of them. Kittens can easily be imprinted not to be vicious to most pets, my sister's cat is not at all amused looking at my hedgies or leopard geckos and would rather lie down and sleep beside them than do any form of interaction.

 

There really is no advantage to letting them be together. Its much to easy for the kitten to get poked in the eye by a quill...or the hedgehog getting scratched if the kitten gets tired of it.

 

I agree with Nikki. Although it's super cute, there is no point in risking possible injuries. Your hedgehog does NOT need to be exposed to any other animals. Hope I didn't sound rude, and I hope you take everyone's advise to heart.

 

I'm really trying to get them acquainted so we don't have to shut one or the other in a room and risk any form of neglect. I fully understand the hazards, and any physical interaction they've had thus far has been incredibly carefully supervised.

Thus far, Oni seems to like chasing Alotta around, and she only swats at his house when he goes inside it. Granted, we try to get her to not do that, either.

No rudeness has been detected, ellarose, so no worries.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

 

Ok, I'm normally a forum watcher/stalker. I'm breaking my rule.
Your cat is a predator animal. Hedgehogs, not so much. They are prey animals. That can't be bred out of them. When a prey animal has an encounter with a predator, things happen with their body. It changes heart rates and respirations. It releases so many chemicals in their body. It is in no way comfortable for them.
There is a benefit to your kitten to being exposed to your hedgehog, it may desensitize her to your hedgehog. Or it could just put that prey drive into place. There is absolutely no benefit for your hedgehog. It's simply not worth the risk.